harmonytom

Bought this 2010 ES 350 before last winter, never use the air-con until last week. After the air-con was turned off, here comes the odor! The fumes’ were so bad that I had to open up all the windows. Did take out the air filter to clearn, but odor still come back after air-con was turned off.

Please advise how to get rid of this odor, many many thanks!

garsarno

Had same problem with '99 Town Car and it was from some time of drain plug in the a/c system not open and not letting the water run out, hence the smell. Dealer will clean out unless a member here will advise on how to check and clear the system.

oldgrump

As mentioned check that the evaporator drain is clear to ensure that the normal condensation can drain. Has the cabin air filter been changed? Also, to help prevent odors which is aggravated by moisture remaining in the evaporator when the car is not being driven, turn off the AC (in other words......turn off the compressor) a few minutes before turning off the engine (keep the fan running).
There is also an old saying related to automotive AC that states.......use it......or lose it. It is wise to engage the compressor (AC "on") for a few minutes (at least) every time the car is driven (once on the daily trip, kinda thing).

Another old automotive saying......use the parking brake.......or lose it.

harmonytom

Thank you guys, can you advise more on how to "check that the evaporator drain is clear to ensure that the normal condensation can drain."?

garsarno

My local garage knows how to check them. Maybe yours does too or you may need to take it to your Toyota or Lexus dealer. I used to work at Avis and to get rid of an interior odor, we would spray Febreeze into the air intake at base of outside windshield and run the windshield defroster to relieve any smells in the car.

jcat_350

^^the febreze trick is 'quick and dirty' and by no means a permanent solution.

Steps to take for interior odor:

1.) CHANGE THE CABIN FILTER!! They can get musty over time.

2.) The AC drain will be a white/clear plastic tube coming down just behind the front wheels. You'll have to search for it, or you can just let the car run with the AC on for a while and look for where it's dripping from. You can use an untwisted coat hanger to get up into the tube and knock loose whatever junk is in there. Just be careful to not pull the tube off.

3.) Be sure the header panel (below the windshield with the slots in it) is clear of any debris, inside and out. It's actually pretty easy to remove and once you do, you'll be able to either vacuum out any junk or blow it out with compressed air.

harmonytom

Very useful infomation from you guys, thanks a lot!!

chbow

You might also want to try the toyota AC spray (http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...2010/4481.html). I've seen threads here detailing how to use it.